Skip to content
How Long Does It Take for Collagen Supplements to Work?
As much as we might wish, our bodies do not change overnight. Whether we are trying to lose weight or gain muscle, we must be dedicated and persistent to see notable changes to our bodies. This is the case when adding a collagen supplement to our diets.
When will Collagen Supplements Start to Work?
The amount of time it takes for collagen supplements to effect change for one person might not serve as the best guide for another. Still, there are some basic truths about collagen production and skin changes that can inform your expectations and give you some indication of how long it takes for collagen supplements to work in your case.
How Long for Collagen Supplements to Work on Skin?
Though it plays many roles in the body – and is therefore used for several reasons – the most common benefit people expect from collagen is an improvement in skin health. The exact goal varies from person to person, and most people can expect their collagen supplements to work in a matter of weeks.
Anecdotal evidence from supplement users suggests that some people see improvement in skin quality after only a week. However, the science suggests that it might take a month or more to get the results you’re looking for. Two clinical studies involving the use of collagen supplements found that participants saw a notable boost in skin moisture after about four weeks; by the eight-week mark, the researchers noted an increase in skin hydration of almost 30%. A second study2 found that after nine weeks of treatment with an oral collagen supplement, there was a “significant” reduction in the depth of wrinkles.
How Long for Collagen to Work on Hair?
Another major benefit sought by those who use collagen supplements is an improvement in hair texture and appearance. Because the amino acids in collagen are among the primary components of hair, it’s thought that taking these supplements aids in the production of strong and healthy hair. The answer is that improving the hair tends to take longer than improving skin, but not by much. Users of collagen supplements have reported seeing improvements in hair texture after only two weeks of use, though the most noticeable results may not appear for a month or more. Given the slow growth rate of hair, users will need to stay consistent with their collagen intake during this time to get the best effect.
How Much Collagen Do You Need to Take for It to Work?
Collagen makes up almost a third of the protein in your body, and you won’t need to take much for collagen supplements to work. In general, an appropriate dose of collagen is about 10 grams – the serving size for Indigo Collagen supplements. Studies had participants take as much as 30 grams without issue. However, if you maintain a healthy diet, you should not need that much. Just add a scoop of collagen peptides to your morning cup of coffee or any other beverage, and you’ll be set for the day.
What Kind of Collagen Supplement Works Best?
When you take a collagen supplement, what you’re really after is the amino acids inside the collagen itself – compounds that serve as the building blocks for collagen production in the body. Although the whole collagen contains these amino acids, they’re most easily absorbed into the body as collagen peptides.
These peptides are digested more quickly than collagen in the form of whole proteins, and their fast absorption means that more of their amino acids are put to use by the body. Studies have shown collagen peptides are retained by the skin for up to two weeks after ingestion.
It’s also good to note that not all collagen comes from the same place.
Many sources of collagen have a high environmental impact. An alternative source of collagen is marine collagen and, when sourced responsibly, results in a low environmental impact. Indigo Marine Collagen uses wild-caught white fish. The fish used for Indigo Collagen is sustainably sourced and has a low chance of being exposed to antibiotics and chemicals.
Indigo Marine Collagen from the North Atlantic aims to provide the benefits of collagen without harming the environment.
Improve Your Skin, Hair, and Nails with Indigo Collagen Supplements
